LP/Gas articles from August 2007

LP/Gas archives from August 2007

Lessons from abroad.(VIEW POINT)
August 1, 2007... All my life I have wanted to visit Ireland. Even before I learned the details of my heritage there, the lure of this simple, magical land seemed to call me home. Before I started this job 10 years ago, I had virtually no travel experience....

Underground tanks.(IN THE KNOW)(Survey)
August 1, 2007... We surveyed 412 retail propane marketers from across the United States asking them the following questions about underground tanks. We received responses from 56 companies. Here is what they had to say. Outcomes: Seventy percent of...

Propane master limited partnership comparison.(LP/GAS STOCK INDEX)
August 1, 2007... LP/GAS STOCK INDEX Propane Master Limited Partnership Comparison Company Symbol Quarter Price Distribution Yield Ended (7/13/07) AmeriGas APU March $36.63 ...

Propane MLP price history.(LP/GAS STOCK INDEX)
August 1, 2007... Historic price index Propane stock price history calculated by averaging unweighted prices for AmeriGas, Ferrellgas, Energy Transfer, Inergy and Suburban master limited partnerships. [GRAPHIC OMITTED] Sources: Public information...

Heating degree days by state.(WEATHER WATCH)(Statistical table)
August 1, 2007... Heating degree days by state State June Deviation Last 12 Deviation from norm months from norm Alabama 0 -2 2627 -192 Alaska 304 ...

Upcoming events.(Calendar)
August 1, 2007... * Sept. 12 2007 LPG Technology Forum at the William B. Travis Building in Austin, TX. For details, contact Dan Kelly at dan.kelly@rrc.state.tx.us or 512-463-7291. * Sept 12-13 Vermont Fuel Dealers Association's fall 2007 conference at the...

Sweet dreams and safe results.(SAFETY FIRST)
August 1, 2007... Because of the nature of my work, I am exposed to many nightmares when it comes to propane accidents. I see the press releases citing injuries, inaccurately stating probable cause, quoting innuendo from neighbors and trying the case in the...

Propane marketing in a 'blink'.(BUSINESS MATTERS)
August 1, 2007... In his latest book "blink," author Malcolm Gladwell (also author of "The Tipping Point") examines how people make snap judgments. He is fascinated by how, in many circumstances, the snap decisions are better than those using more analysis and...

Why do companies settle lawsuits?(LEGAL BRIEF)
August 1, 2007... Virtually all claims for injury, death or property damages never reach a jury verdict. Many of these cases get close to reaching a jury verdict but "settle at the courthouse steps" This has resulted in expressions of frustration from attorneys,...

Congress' latest activities are high-energy.(WASHINGTON REPORT)
August 1, 2007... Trying to stay updated on energy legislation this year is no small task as hundreds of legislators working through dozens of committees put their mark on what the Democratic leadership hopes will be comprehensive energy legislation. Some...

Buried treasure: Cayman Islands' lone propane marketer adding mounded bulk plant to meet growing sales needs.(Cover story)
August 1, 2007... Far removed from the grueling pace of a frigid Northeast winter season, Dayne Brady wipes the sweat from his face, squints into the brilliant sunshine and recounts the details of his company's $3 million investment to more than double the bulk...

Glowing opportunity: supplemental heating and outdoor living appliance sales offer competitive edge.(HEATING APPLIANCES)
August 1, 2007... Having the capability and desire to offer customers propane-powered zone heaters, grills and other indoor and outdoor auxiliary appliances can add some significant sizzle to your bottom line. Marketers actively working these categories say they...

Outdoor infrared heaters.(HEATING APPLIANCES)
August 1, 2007... Infrared heating units from Detroit Radiant Products are available in both stainless steel and a black, powder-coated textured finish. The PH Series infrared patio heater is the perfect solution to stylishly extend the outdoor season. The...

Professional grill.(HEATING APPLIANCES)
August 1, 2007... The Lynx 30-inch professional grill has ProSear infrared technology, a red brass burner, seamless welded construction and control illumination featuring blue LEDs and an internal halogen light. The unit includes the Lynx hood-assist kit,...

'No hassle' 10-year warranty.(HEATING APPLIANCES)
August 1, 2007... The SunStar Corcho line of vent-free gas room heaters comes with a 10-year limited warranty supplying a "no hassle" guarantee on workmanship and materials. The devices have heating capacities from 6,000 to 30,000 BTUs. The ultra-modern...

95 percent AFUE furnaces.(HEATING APPLIANCES)
August 1, 2007... The G61MPV Dave Lennox Signature Collection furnace models with SilentComfort technology are quietly efficient, remaining eligible for a $150 U.S. energy efficiency tax credit available to homeowners through 2007. With ratings of up to 95...

BBQ cooking with cylinder sales and delivery.(HEATING APPLIANCES)
August 1, 2007... Hot demand for outdoor living products such as propane-fueled grills has 20-pound cylinders rolling off the exchange racks, and several companies now are serving up tank delivery services. "Propane exchange continues to be a very popular...

Ceramic fiber log set.(HEATING APPLIANCES)
August 1, 2007... Napoleon's ceramic fiber lightweight molded Phazer log set presents a natural wood-burning look while generating up to 26,000 BTUs. The set provides 50 percent flame/heat adjustment for maximum comfort and efficiency while offering a clear,...

Direct vent fireplace.(HEATING APPLIANCES)
August 1, 2007... The Dream direct vent gas fireplace from Napoleon boasts a 48-in. by 48-in. viewing area, amounting to a substantial focal point for a great room, ski lodge or lobby. it emits 50,000 BTUs with 75 percent efficiency. With hidden controls...

Direct vent fireplace system.(HEATING APPLIANCES)
August 1, 2007... Monessen's newly released 36-inch direct vent fireplace cranks out 26,000 BTUs and also is available in a 42-inch clean face design. The top-vented units are field-convertible for either propane or natural gas with a variable hi/lo flame...

Large-view fireplace inserts.(HEATING APPLIANCES)
August 1, 2007... The Shoreline is the newest addition to the Lennox Hearth Products integration of the two companies. The insert has an exceptionally large glass viewing area while still fitting into the space of an average factory-built fireplace. To...

Bistro table heater and gas light.(HEATING APPLIANCES)
August 1, 2007... Outdoor Leisure is extending the patio experience with its Gas Light patio heater by providing body-level warmth in a way ordinary "mushroom'-style patio heaters can't accomplish. The recently introduced unit radiates consistent warmth from top...

Outdoor kitchen array.(DISTRIBUTOR SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2007... The Lynx Outdoor Kitchen features a Lynx 42-inch professional grill with ProSear infrared technology, red brass burners and seamless welded construction. Also included is a warming drawer, access doors, double side burner with prep center,...

Appeals court rejects changes in drivers' hours of service.(WASHINGTON, D.C.)
August 1, 2007... For the second time in three years, a federal appeals court has rejected the Department of Transportation's attempts to rewrite hours of service rules for commercial truck drivers. A July 24 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the...

PERC to consider changes in market development strategy.(WASHINGTON, D.C.)(Propane Education & Research Council)
August 1, 2007... The Propane Education & Research Council called for a review of the industry's market development strategy during its meeting July 19-20. The council will analyze the industry's work in each market segment, looking at new technologies to...

FMCSA considers driver safety ratings.(WASHINGTON, D.C.)
August 1, 2007... The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is looking to adopt a registry of driver safety ratings, the agency's administrator said in the July 9 issue of Transport Topics. John Hill told the magazine the proposed system would be...

Agency backs down on some security proposals.(WASHINGTON, D.C.)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... The Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has decided not to pursue some of the security requirements proposed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In July 2002, the agency had...

FMCSA exempts drivers in emergency conditions.(WASHINGTON, D.C.)
August 1, 2007... Drivers of propane service or pipeline emergency vehicles are officially exempted from certain hazardous materials regulations during emergency conditions. The final role was published in the July 5 issue of the Federal Register. The...

Nebraska signs limited liability law protecting marketers.(LINCOLN, NEBRASKA)
August 1, 2007... Nebraska has become one of the latest states to enact a limited liability law protecting the state's propane marketers. The law, signed in May, requires LP gas providers to affix a warning label to equipment to alert customers of the legal...

Small-Business Committee seeks ruling for industry.(WASHINGTON, D.C.)
August 1, 2007... The chairwoman and 11 members of the House of Representatives' Small-Business Committee have asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to respond to the propane industry's request three years ago to review its business size standards. ...

Senator: Homeland Security rule could hurt family farmers.(WASHINGTON, D.C.)
August 1, 2007... A rule proposed by the Department of Homeland Security--in which propane supplies are designated as potential terrorist targets--could unfairly cost individual farmers and small businesses thousands of dollars to complete security assessments....

Corn boom could lead to more propane sales.(WASHINGTON, D.C.)
August 1, 2007... The largest anticipated corn crop in more than 60 years could mean an above-average demand for propane this fall as about eight of 10 row crop producers use propane to dry their grain. "This is a great opportunity for the propane industry...

World LP Gas Forum to focus on African market.(CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA)
August 1, 2007... Two South African and one Indian leader--including the South African deputy president--will be featured speakers at the 20th World LP Gas Forum to be held here in October. South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Buyelwa...

Propane stockbuild this year called 'lackluster'.(WASHINGTON, D.C.)
August 1, 2007... Total propane inventories will likely reach only about 60 million barrels by the time the next winter heating season starts, putting stocks at their lowest pre-heating season level since 2000, according to the Energy Information Administration....

Company event shows support for executive director.(DAVENPORT, IOWA)
August 1, 2007... A biennial open house for Dealers LP Equipment turned into a fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society as members of the Iowa Propane Gas Association and other industry leaders came together to support the association's executive director....

Pliers.(PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... Klein Tools has added the new Journeyman J2000-9NECRTP side-cutting priers with multiple design features to the Journeyman line. The new J2000-9NECRTP pliers include a built-in crimper for use on noninsulated connectors, lugs and terminals,...

Tool bags.(PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... Klein Tools introduces nine new versions of its popular 5002 Series' multi-pocket canvas tool bags. The tool bags are available in 16-, 18- and 20-inch sizes and in blue, orange and yellow. Klein's new colored canvas tool bags feature...

Combo valve option.(PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... The Parker Chelsea combo valve option enables a single controller to operate both the powershift FrO and dump pump. This new design allows the user to convert his current hydraulically shifted Fro to a 12-volt electric-over-hydraulic shift...

Plug valve.(PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... Midland Manufacturing has upgraded its line of plug valves with the A-548-TEV bottom outlet plug valve. This Midland valve excels in the harsh operating environments of rail tank cars and can perform in a broad range of applications. The...

Flame detector.(PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... MICROPACK announces the launch of its new Visual Flame Detector, Model FDS-301. The new flame detector provides the benefits of MICROPACK's True Flame Visual Flame Detection technology, with quality color video images and greater sensitivity....

Emergency Response Kit.(PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... Midland Manufacturing has announced the availability of its Emergency Response Kit DVD. Designed for the hazardous railcar transportation industry, Midland's Emergency Response Kits provide Workers with the proper tools and materials...

Programmable logic controller.(PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... The ModCon 75 controller is a pre-programmed PLC designed to work specifically with the Ultima X gas monitor with X3 technology. This self-configuring and compact device controls and displays up to 25 Ultima X3 gas monitors. This controller...

Tank.(PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... Trinity Containers has introduced the SKWAT ASME vertical 119 water gallon tank. This product features a lower profile, which is 11 inches shorter than a traditional 120 vertical container and offers easier access for filling. The...

Toolroom lathe.(PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... The newest and largest addition to the Haas Automation Inc. Toolroom Series is the large-capacity TL-4 toolroom lathe. This machine offers a powerful large-diameter spindle, generous swing and length capacities, and both front and rear spindle...

Eyewear.(PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... Uvex has announced the launch of Uvex Ignite, an addition to its line of safety eyewear. The lightweight, frameless design of the Uvex Ignite eyewear offers 180 degrees of unobstructed, distortion-free vision. Uvex Ignite comfort features...

Liberty Propane.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2007... Liberty Propane has appointed Carrie Byrum as a business analyst for retail operations. She previously worked for a national propane marketer as a senior business operations analyst. The company also has hired Laura Hoffman as a retail...

Midland Manufacturing.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2007... Midland Manufacturing, a division of OPW Fluid Transfer Group, has appointed Thomas Zant as its president. Zant's first priority will be to accelerate new product development and enhance the company's focus on customer satisfaction. Zant...

OPW Fueling Components.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2007... OPW Fueling Components has named Phil Carlin as president of its OPW Fuel Management Systems business unit. He replaces David grouse, who was promoted to president of the OPW Fluid Transfer Group. Carlin previously worked as vice president of...

Surprise party: PERC celebrates 10-year anniversary of its first council meeting.(LET'S TALK)
August 1, 2007... I was among the many who didn't think PERC would have one anniversary, let alone reach the decade milestone. There were too many hurdles to overcome just so the industry could vote for a referendum that it all seemed insurmountable. The...

Wasted dollars, time.(MAILBOX)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2007... I just finished reading your article (CETP e-learning) in June's LPGas magazine and felt an overwhelming need to write this letter. At least 10 years ago, Propane Resources introduced something called the Training Connection, which was an...

Gas pains.(LET'S TALK)(Cartoon)
August 1, 2007... "GOOD IDEAS ON GETTING US PAST THIS TIME OF YEAR, SIMMONS... PERHAPS, THOUGH, THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO MARK OUR SALES TERRITORIES." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]